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Spot-fixing Saga: PCB impose Ban to Kaneria
July 13, 2012
The history of Pakistan cricket is full of controversy and the year of 2010 comes a worst year for the cricket of Pakistan as in September 2010 the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended three Pakistan players including captain Salman Butt, talented Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif on allegations of what was later defined as spot-fixing.
Another big name of the cricket Danish Kaneria, the highest wicket-taking spinner for Pakistan also comes on the same controversy as he was named in court as the alleged go-between between Westfield and bookmakers who paid the Essex bowler £6,000 to deliberately concede an agreed number of runs in an over in a Pro40 match against Durham in 2009. Less than four months have passed since three of their most celebrated cricketers were jailed and once again Pakistan has been dragged into the murky world of spot-fixing. Kaneria was not on trial at The Old Bailey, but his name dominated the day as he was presented as the influential figure who led Mervyn Westfield astray.
Kaneria has been suspended from playing cricket in his home country by the Pakistan Cricket Board while he appeals against a life ban for his alleged involvement in spot-fixing.
Kaneria, only the second Hindu to play for Pakistan, has many admirable traits, many necessary to make a good legspinner. His height purchases good bounce - though not always flight - and he can turn the ball significantly. Though the googly is overexposed, But something has been missing, the unknown that makes great leggies great. It is not so much in the tools, but in the persona and a peculiar lack of guile, especially if he is to be compared to countrymen such as Abdul Qadir and Mushtaq Ahmed; both had a wonderful presence.
The 31-year-old was in June found guilty by the England and Wales Cricket Board of "cajoling and pressurising" his former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield into accepting cash in return for trying to concede a set number of runs in an over during a Pro 40 match in 2009.
Kaneria, who denies all involvement in the plot, immediately appealed against the ban and the PCB said on Monday they will not consider him for selection until they know the outcome of the appeal.
"The Integrity Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board deliberated upon the recent ban imposed by Cricket Discipline Commission of the English and Wales Cricket Board consisting of independent adjudicators against Mr Kaneria and its implementation in Pakistan," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.
"The PCB committee headed by Chairman Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf discussed in detail the ICC and PCB Anti-Corruption codes under which the Pakistan Cricket Board is bound to recognise, respect and enforce the ban in its respective jurisdiction.
"It was also brought to the knowledge of the committee that Mr Kaneria intends to appeal against the decision of the Cricket Discipline Commission.
"Keeping in view this aspect, and in the light of the decision by CDC of ECB dated 22 June 2012, the facts of which are being considered in detail by the Integrity Committee, and till the matter is finally concluded by ECB's Appeal Panel, the Integrity Committee decided that Mr Danish Kaneria will not be eligible to play any cricket match, or participate in any cricket event/activity in Pakistan."
Kaneria has not played for Pakistan since September 2010 because of the spot-fixing allegations
Kaneria, who earlier still protests his innocence, claimed that he played no role in the spot-fixing case in which his former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield has been convicted and sentenced to four months in jail.
"I am completely innocent from day one. All allegations against me are false," a nervous-looking Kaneria said repeatedly, after the opening day's play of the final, in Lahore. "The Essex police cleared me and I have clearance certificates from both the ECB and ICC, so I am not feeling any pressure. I am just enjoying my cricket."
“The panel did not bother asking for evidence from Westfield to support his allegations against me. It was obvious that they had decided even before the commencement of the trial”, maintained Kaneria.
“Even the Essex players, appeared before the panel did not support the claims of Marven Westfield”, added Kaneria.
On his alleged relationship with an Indian bookie, Anu Bhatt, the 31-year old leg-spinner said that he met with him (Bhatt) twice in his life and both the meetings were at public places. While admitting that the ICC’s ACSU official, Allan Peacock had warned him about the dubious activities of Bhatt, Kaneria added that the warning was ‘verbal’ which he said was adhered to as well.
“I met Anu Bhatt in 2007 for the first time when he invited the Pakistan team for dinner during Indian tour. Later in 2008, ACSU’s Allan Peacock verbally warned me to avoid Anu Bhatt, which I did”, said Kaneria, who represented Pakistan in 61 test matches since his debut in 2000.
“In 2009, I met with Anu Bhatt for the last time in England. The meeting was at a public Place. In both encounters, Bhatt did not extend any fixing offer to me”, Kaneria recalled.
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